I knew going into the 2019 California International Marathon that hitting a Boston qualifier, and getting to ring the BQ bell, was unlikely. Inconsistent training gave me some doubt, but a nagging Achilles issue really worried me.
As I made the first turn of the point-to-point course that runs from Folsom, Calif., to the state capitol building in downtown Sacramento, a sharp pain ran from my right heel to my lower calf. Yes, the very first turn and first steep uphill section. That’s when I knew it was going to be a long day.
CIM is an incredible race. Just google CIM olympic trial qualifier video and watch compelling story after compelling story. The race touts itself as one of the best BQ courses as well as one of the top places to run an OTQ. Fast runners flock to the west coast every December to run CIM. But, to me, the course is fast because of the quality runners all around and the incredible crowds.
The California International Marathon is a lot like Boston (I’ve run Boston three times and CIM twice now). Everything about the race inspires maximum effort. But if you aren’t ready, the rolling hills will eat you alive.
I struggled from the first mile marker last Sunday. While disappointed with another missed goal, my 2019 CIM was a fitting end to my racing year. Multiple times I considered dropping from the race (which would have been my first ever DNF). If it had been a loop course with an easy way to get to the finish area, I would have been out. At the halfway point, I decided to shuffle as long as I could.
Thankfully I was able to keep moving forward. The final 10K was actually the most pleasant part of my day. The course flattens out into downtown, which took pressure off my Achilles.
As I ran the second half of my second CIM, I thought back over the previous year. The last time I ran a Boston qualifier was in 2018 on that same course. At the time I was shooting for a 2:40 finish. When I fell off pace with a big positive split and crossed the line in 2:49, I was frustrated and disappointed. It’s all about perspective. At the time I had no idea the next 12 months would be such a struggle, and now I would love to be anywhere close to 2:49 shape.
I badly wanted to ring that CIM BQ bell this past Sunday. Even missing by a few minutes or seconds would feel like a win right now. My 2021 BQ time (3:05) is five minutes slower as I move into a new age group. Yet I was still almost half an hour slower.
2019 will not be a memorable running year for me. At least not in a positive way. It started with an unexpected blow up and fade in the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon, continued with a similar result in Boston. Then came months of injury and not running.
For the first time since 2013, I am going a calendar year without a single BQ result. It has been more than a year and a half since my last PR at any distance. I have, without question, failed every single running goal I set for myself back in January.
Now for the positive. First, I got to see friends hit goals at this year’s CIM, as well as commiserate with other friends who fell short along with me.
I was also able to use my slower pace to reflect. As I gritted out the final miles at CIM, I thought about all of the amazing things that have happened to me this past year.
I have made many new friends and reconnected with people who mean very much to me. My daughter entered the world in September. Her arrival has forever changed my world view. No matter what the clock says as I cross the next finish line, I know she is going to have a smile waiting for me.
I love the CIM weekend. The California International Marathon has great atmosphere, top level competition, incredible organization, and the best port-o-let line up I’ve ever seen (and I’ve now run 54 marathons). This year I struggled to a 3:31:58 finish, but I’m already looking ahead to 2020.
That’s the great thing about running. There is always a chance to turn things around.
It has to start with daily consistency with focused strength work and injury prevention exercises. Instead of trying to make a giant leap back into fitness, the focus has to be on today.
Brick by brick.
Back in 2018 I didn’t ring the CIM BQ bell, even though I had earned it. I was frustrated with my race and made at myself for what I considered a failure. This year, I came nowhere near my BQ time. Who knows what will happen in the next 12 months? I sure don’t, but if I’m fortunate enough to get back under Boston qualifying time, I promise I will appreciate every second.
2019 has been a failure, but I have an opportunity to turn it into motivation and perspective as I move on to 2020.
Now it’s time to get to work.